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Yes, affordable health insurance is a complicated issue. New statistics seem to demonstrate that young adults are increasing likeness of getting colon cancer. Colon cancer is no longer just an old folk’s disease. GEN-X and millennials seem to be on the rise among them. Health insurance is not an option. It’s a necessity.

In a country where affordable health insurance is hotly debated, marked incidence rates in serious (but preventable) diseases are closely monitored.

The study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute February 28 2017. The study examined incidence of those diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer from 1974 to 2013. Millennial age colon cancer seems to be rising.

The researchers found that, among older patients, the incidence of colon cancer experienced a modest statistical decline in this 40 year period. This may be due to colon screenings recommended for people age 50 or over.

Ironically, statistical reports show a probable 4% increase among those in their 20s and 30s.

The study collected data from “nine oldest Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program areas (Atlanta [from 1975], Connecticut, Detroit, Hawaii, Iowa, New Mexico, Seattle-Puget Sound, San Francisco-Oakland, and Utah).” Perhaps the largest database on cancer disease statistics, SEER is part of the USA government National Institutes of Health.

The study examined the data. There were, however, no determinations of dietary lifestyle, family histories (did parents have colon cancer?), environment, or gender/sexual orientation.

Here is where health insurance kicks in. Within the studied population, qualitatively similar for colon and rectal cancers researchers found a net increase of 4% annually for people in their 20s coinciding with a net decrease of 2% annually for those age 75 years and older. Does this mean that millennials need to undergo colon rectal screenings, as part of their annual check-ups?

A colon cancer screening procedure uses an endoscopy – a tube that helps a doctor view your rectal colon. A gastroenterologist uses a lighted tube with a tiny camera attached to its end to examine the rectum and lower part of the colon (the sigmoid colon) for polyps or other abnormalities. If anything arouses suspicion, the doctor may also perform a biopsy to collect samples of tissues or cells for further investigation.

Preparation for the test requires use of laxatives (in high doses) to cleanse your colon, within hours before the procedure. It is probably the most dreaded and inconvenient part of the exam.

Treated as ambulatory surgery, the total cost, uninsured, might be around $5,000.

If, statistics continue and widen to show more elevated colon cancer risks among millennials, the scope of these necessary procedures may increase. Millennials in their 20s and 30s may be more vulnerable in their invulnerable years.

What we don’t know from this study is the why, how, when, and who might be vulnerable. There’s much more to study and examine.

There are many variables that may bring colon cancer to a young person in the 20s. No source might be blamed at this time.

Being aware is an important factor. Having good affordable health insurance is not just for mom’s, dads, and grand parents. When illnesses and disabilities effect the younger age children and adults, affordable health insurance must be available as a necessity. Health care is no longer an option for USA citizens and it must be satisfactory for all.

Cancer is a cursed disease. Monitoring and testing for colon cancer routinely, may help young people avoid a common cancer that could potentially alter future, hopes, and dreams.